“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:42-47
Be Worth Being
This fall, when you see geese flying south for the winter, flying along in “V” formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies the point. Geese “honk” from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. Finally — and this is important — when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshots, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly again or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.
If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.
As a Christian athlete or coach, you have great influence to impact other athletes and coaches. You are a flock and a fellowship of believers who exist to support, care, fellowship, provide for, pray for and encourage one another. As we go about our day, week, month and year, there will be times when someone in your flock gets wounded, hurt, damaged, sick or even killed. It is important that you be there for them. Walk with them through their valley in life. Support them. Encourage them. Provide for them. Care for them.
That is called showing God’s love in a practical way. And that is “being” a disciple of Jesus Christ.
— Kevin Burrell
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